Global cyber security concerns have skyrocketed with increasing incidents of security breaches. Cybercriminals have improved their techniques by implementing modern technologies and cutting-edge tools to create more sophisticated attacks that are harder to identify and terminate. Ransomware has become a global threat and became the most used tool for cyber attacks.

Recently, the notorious global ransomware group known as LockBit has successfully attacked the town of St. Marys, Ontario in Canada. Although ransomware attacks mainly revolve around global business enterprises and nationwide government facilities, local-self governing bodies are no strangers to cyber attacks. Long gone are the days when hackers only target giant corporations for financial gain; multiple sectors and even common people are frequently encountering attempts of cyber breaches and stealing personal information.

LockBit Attack on the Canadian Town

St. Marys, a small town situated in the province of Ontario, Canada has recently become the target of a ransomware attack. LockBit has admitted the attack as the cybercriminal group posted the town’s name as a ransomware victim on their website on the dark web. The website also displayed previews of stolen files and encrypted documents. However, no information has been made public.

The LockBit website displayed screenshots of stolen file directories which include documents about finance, health & safety, property files, public works, sewage treatment, and other municipal operations. The group declared a deadline for payment otherwise all information will be leaked online.

Reports claim that a team of cyber security experts and local police are investigating the problem. The mayor of St. Marys has received a ransom demand but hadn’t paid anything, according to sources. The mayor further said that the local authority would follow advice from the incident team about further procedures.

How to Minimize Ransomware Threats?

Ransomware attacks are devastating in nature and can cause long-term damage to targeted systems. Although it is very hard to assure zero chances of attack occurrences, the following measures should be followed to provide a better cyber environment:

• System Monitoring – Constant monitoring of the entire system is mandatory for accurately identifying a suspicious activity before it evolves into a serious threat.
• Advanced Security Defense Mechanism – Traditional cyber protection techniques are no longer effective against modern attacks. Adoption of advanced defense with cutting-edge tools is necessary for protection.
• System Analysis – Flaws and security gaps can be successfully patched with Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing or VAPT services. In this way, unpatched systems or unprotected devices can be thoroughly analyzed for improvement.
• Anti-ransomware Strategy – A well-planned strategy specifically developed to counter ransomware attacks is the most preferred way to minimize attacks. This strategy will detect active weaknesses in the system and deliver technical as well as operational resilience.

Hiring a Managed Security Service Provider, otherwise known as MSSP as a security partner is the most optimal choice to maintain healthy cyber security. Privacy and integrity are crucial when it comes to cyber security and authorized MSSPs with teams of expert professionals equipped with advanced technologies and appropriate resources can deliver those requirements.

As an authorized CERT-In empanelled agency, we are one of the most preferred cyber security advisors among public as well as private sector enterprises. Our team consists of expert cyber security professionals capable of delivering top-notch solutions on vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), managed security services, web application audit, NOC, SOC, SIEM/SOAR, and other cyber solutions. Our Anti-Ransomware Readiness (ARR) Audit is a combination of active and passive non-intrusive techniques that delivers a strong technical process to an organization to mitigate ransomware threats and improve the cyber resiliency of your system infrastructure.

Do check our website www.primeinfoserv.com for more details or write us at info@primeinfoserv.com or contact us at +913340085677 for cyber security queries.